Pennsylvania chicken rant victims don't show for hearing

Dec. 3, 2012

Written by

the Associated Press

POINT MARION, Pa. — A district judge has dismissed assault and harassment charges against a southwestern Pennsylvania man who allegedly fought with his son and daughter-in-law after he was served chicken that was baked, when he wanted it fried.

The judge dismissed the charges Thursday against 45-year-old George Rhome, of Point Marion, after the alleged victims failed to show up for a preliminary hearing on the charges. The hearing had been rescheduled three times since Rhome was arrested Aug. 27. Court records show he spent four days in jail before posting bail.

The incident occurred in Point Marion, a tiny borough on the West Virginia border, about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh.

A man who answered a phone listed in Rhome's name said it was a wrong number Thursday night. His public defender could not immediately be reached after hours.